Vessels like this one were made in Egypt and Syria in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The metalwork, illuminated manuscripts, and glassmaking traditions of the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517) were highly prized throughout the Islamic world, including Iran and northern India, and as far away as Europe and China, where they were traded via a network of land and sea routes.

The primary decoration on this bowl is a gilded calligraphic inscription. It begins with “the sultan, the king” and repeats “the learned” over and over. The bowl itself was probably used to serve sweetmeats—small delicacies made of candied fruit and nuts.

Mamluk Sultanate (Egypt, 1250–1517), Footed Bowl with Lid. Gilded glass, mid-14th century. Height: 10 in. (25.4 cm). Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1970.56a–b. Not on view.*